KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 5:8 KJV” But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

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Paul the apostle now encourages the brethren to be responsible for their homes. I wish to say that it is rather a big irony for anyone to join a particular denomination only to label their relations as strangers because they have not joined that particular denomination. This kind of teaching is not a Christian doctrine in any way. This is a manipulative way for the leaders of such groups to fully control those members. Such a group is a cult and not a Christian organisation. The Lord God strongly opposes irresponsibility in close family relations.

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In the context of our study, you are worse than an unbeliever if you neglect your widowed mother. As the scripture said in verse 4  “But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” What is your attitude to your parents? Sadly, there are many who have absolutely forgotten about their parents and are living happily in other cities. The church may come in as a secondary support when the widow has no support from any other source. In light of what the scripture says, if you neglect your own family relations, especially your widowed mother or father who has no support, then you are worse than an infidel. This statement is a very serious one. You bring yourself under a curse if you live in such a way. This act is a dishonour to your parents, which has a promise to it. Eph 6:2 KJV” Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” The promise is that it shall be well with you. If you fail to honour them, then you are flouting the scripture that would certainly become a curse to you.

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The instruction also applies to all other members of your home, that is, your wife, children and other dependants in your home. From the scriptures, your aunties who have no children to take care of should attract your help. 1Ti 5:4 KJV” But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” From this verse, you are a nephew to your aunt, and you must not neglect her as well as an uncle who has no support from anywhere. One may ask,   what about your aunties whose children have become irresponsible and, as a result, are having things very badly. From the scriptural instructions, your aunties and uncles who are not being cared for become your responsibility. Do not neglect them. This  instruction goes for men and women who are in a position to support them.

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THOUGHT: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

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FURTHER STUDIES

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1Ti 5:16 KJV “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.”

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Isa 58:7 KJV” Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

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